Wed 30th Nov 2016 - Thai restaurant company undergoes management buyout with PE backing Thai restaurant company undergoes management buyout with PE backing: An award-winning Thai restaurant group has been acquired by its management team with the backing of private equity investor Alcuin Capital Partners. Poole-headquartered Koh Group, owner of the Koh Thai Tapas brand, operates 12 restaurants across Dorset, Wiltshire, Somerset and Hampshire. Chief executive Andrew Lennox has led the buyout with equity invested by Alcuin alongside development capital to support its future roll-out. Koh Thai Tapas opened its first restaurant in Bournemouth seven years ago and also operates pop-up lounges for private parties and large public events such as the Bournemouth Air Show. Lennox said: “For the next stage of growth, we have a brilliant company backing us in Alcuin, a war-chest for development and growth, a passionate management team, 12 thriving restaurants, almost 300 loyal staff and many thousands of loyal customers. Following years of dedication by the team this really is a great opportunity for the business and we are incredibly excited about the future.” As part of the deal, Paul Lilley has been brought in as chief financial officer. He previously worked for the likes of Busaba, Drake & Morgan and Burger & Lobster. Sophie Cox has also been appointed chief operating officer. Adrian Lurie of Alcuin Capital Partners, said: “Andy and his team have built an excellent brand and we are excited by the opportunity to support the team in the coming years to build on this excellent foundation.” The deal has provided an exit for James Hampton, Nick Billingham, Lucy Morton-Haworth and Alex Plaisted. Hampton added: “What started as a restaurant concept in my mind has in seven short years grown up to be a fully-fledged group on the cutting edge of the casual dining market under the leadership of our co-founder and chief executive Andy Lennox.” Marechale Corporate Finance, Clark Holt and Saffery Champness acted for the vendors while RSM and Morgan Lewis advised Alcuin.